QMG
1916 - 1965
Canadian
Buse et arquebuse
gouache on paper, circa 1952 - 1956
signed, titled and inscribed "Ottawa"
22 3/4 x 28 3/4 in, 57.8 x 73 cm
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 CAD
Sold for: $40,950
Preview at: Heffel Vancouver
PROVENANCE
Dominion Gallery, Montreal
An Important Private Estate, Montreal
EXHIBITED
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, November 18, label on verso
Jean-Philippe Dallaire worked as a draughtsman for the National Film Board of Canada in Ottawa from 1952 to 1956, continuing this occupation in Montreal during the following two years. Buse et arquebuse is inscribed "Ottawa" on the outside of the envelope at the left, thus we can presume the work was completed during his time there. Prior to his residency in Ottawa, Dallaire lived in Paris from 1938 to 1940 where he was exposed to Surrealism. The influence of Surrealists such as Salvador Dali and Joan Miró is evident in this work through the disorienting figures and environment of illogical, freely associating elements. The title Buse et arquebuse is a play on words – another Surrealist trait – as “buse” translates as hawk (also slang for idiot), while “arquebuse” is an old European gun. The work offers tremendous visual interest in the interplay between the three figures with their flat, geometric shapes, brooms substituted for feet and uncanny expressions. The dreamy essence of Buse et arquebuse captures Dallaire’s distinct vision which was honoured through solo exhibitions at The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in 1958 and 2000.
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 CAD
All prices are in Canadian Dollars
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